Peter G.
December 21, 2001Joe was a big star for the Buffalo Bisons (AAA-International League) after coming down for the Mets. He then had an injury (arm? elbow?) that pretty much finished his career. But he did some great stuff for the Bisons, who, as a Mets farm team, needed all the help they could get.

Denis
June 28, 2004In late 1962 Joe Hicks hit one of the longest home runs I ever saw. It went into the upper deck of the Polo Grounds above the bullpen in right field. I seem to remember the Giants were in town. That shot stayed in my memory banks to this day. I hope Joe sees this.

Bob Sohm
July 10, 2005As the summer of 1963 wore on even to a 12-year-old it was becoming painfully obvious that the Mets were not a very good ball club. Joe Hicks' arrival in mid-July gave Met fans fodder for arguing with their friends who were Yankee fans.

Hicks racked up his 1st N.L. hit on 7/14 off of Hal "Skinny" Brown of the Colt 45's. On Monday the 15th his heroics began in earnest; he went 3-5 with 2 rbi's as the Mets won 14-5 over Houston in a game that also featured a grand slam by Carl Willey. Tuesday the 16th he went 3-4 with a HR and 2 rbi's in another Met win. On the 17th his dramatic HR in the 11th inning gave the Mets a rare win over the Giants 9-7. Three wins in a row. AMAZIN. Hicks' homer was a blast that went over the scoreboard in right-center. Thursday the 18th he went 3-5 with a 3-run blast off of Bobby Bolin.

The next day Hicks' stats were gaudy: he was hitting .419 with 3 HR's and 9 rbi's and 6 runs scored. Alas after that Hicks' magical run was over. He went 0 for his next 23, only showing a couple of flashes of his magical week.

Hicks' one week of greatness was worth a month of playground argument material. I had him being the new Mantle and Maris rolled into one; after all, neither of them were hitting .419. So thank you Joe Hicks for giving Met fans that magical week.

Robbie Vannatter
October 6, 2010To this day he has one of the greatest baseball minds. He plays handball every day and dedicates his spare time to umpiring for the Virginia High School League. It is an honor and a privilege to work under him and hope to continue till he retires. Thank you Joe from Robbie and Haley (blonde catcher for Dragons).